President-Elect

Brian D. Kelly, D.C.

Dr. Brian D. Kelly is an internationally respected chiropractic educator, practitioner, executive leader and speaker whose career spans more than three decades of service to the chiropractic profession. As President-Elect of Life University, he brings a distinctive combination of clinical experience, academic leadership, and organizational expertise, united by a commitment to advancing chiropractic education, strengthening institutions and inspiring future generations of healthcare leaders.

Dr. Kelly is one of the few individuals to have served as president of chiropractic colleges in two countries. From 2011 to 2016, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Chiropractic College West in California and served as President of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic from 2003 to 2011. During his tenure, he guided both institutions through significant academic and organizational development and growth.

Beyond higher education, Dr. Kelly has made significant contributions to the advancement of the chiropractic profession through professional service, governance and research advocacy. His leadership roles have included service with the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, the International Chiropractors Association, the Council on Chiropractic Education–Australasia and the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, where he served as President and Board Member. Through these roles, he has contributed to strategic planning, accreditation, professional development and initiatives supporting chiropractic research and clinical excellence.

Dr. Kelly’s contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the New Zealand Order of Chiropractic, International Chiropractor of the Year and Distinguished Fellow of the International Chiropractors Association. An internationally recognized speaker, and mentor, he continues to share his experience and insights with chiropractors, educators and healthcare leaders around the world.

His professional perspective is grounded in clinical practice. Before coming to Life University, Dr. Kelly practiced in Auckland, New Zealand, caring for a diverse patient population that included elite athletes and individuals experiencing concussion and brain injury. These experiences, together with his leadership in higher education, have reinforced his appreciation for the relationship between patient care, scientific inquiry, education and organizational excellence.

Dr. Kelly earned his Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic) from RMIT, formerly the Phillip Institute of Technology in Australia, and completed a Master of Business Administration through the University of Waikato in New Zealand. His combination of clinical, academic and executive experience informs his approach to leadership and institutional strategy.

As President-Elect of Life University, Dr. Kelly is committed to building upon the University’s rich history and distinctive mission while positioning it for continued success. He believes meaningful progress begins with listening, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. By engaging students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University, he seeks to foster academic excellence, support student success and strengthen Life University’s role as a leader in chiropractic education and whole-person health.

Guided by Life University’s enduring commitment to Lasting Purpose—Loving, serving and giving out of your own abundance—Dr. Kelly is dedicated to advancing the University’s mission and the future of Chiropractic through principled leadership, service and a commitment to human potential.

Dr. Kelly will assume the role of President of Life University in November 2026.